While the Confederations Cup heats up on Flaubert’s turf at Pierre Roland field, deep in green Normandy, « Gallic » baseball isn’t taking a break.
Metz vs PUC « postponed ».
Toulouse (2-6) vs La Rochelle (7-3)
The D1 stage saw the Boucaniers de La Rochelle make a « late » trip to the Argoulets, home field of Stade Toulousain.
The hierarchy was respected with two victories in the back of the Boucaniers’ minibuses. In the first game, lasting 3 hours, the Rochelais could only manage 3 hits (a double by Lot) against the Toulouse pitchers (4 earned runs). Rojas, Lacombe, and Esposito. The visitors struck out 12 times for 6 walks. Yet, they won 5-3.
Above: Wilce Nieves on the mound.
Nieves secured his second win with 9 strikeouts, 2 walks, and only 2 earned runs. In the second game of the day, the coastal side regained the upper hand despite strong resistance from Toulouse (8-6 until the sixth). 9 hits for LR to 8 for the home team (2 doubles by Soliveres).
It was a close call for the southerners to force a split. Notably, two more doubles in this « game » for LR (Milar and Briones). Antoine (4 earned runs in 6 innings) secured his second win, relieved by Torres A. and Esteban M. All three combined for 9 strikeouts and 7 walks.
Above: The Stade Toulousain offense was so close to forcing a split.
The Boucaniers are tied for second with Montpellier. Up next: Nice, Toulouse, and Sénart! The Barracudas must face the same opponents in order… a true duel for second place. No doubt the Barracudas, pumped up by the Confederations Cup competition, will be at the top of their game. The pressure is on La Rochelle, who must win everything to hope to stay second in their group and reach the playoffs… The pressure is on Sénart, who can’t afford to lose anymore…
Vincent Picard
